Pap Smear FAQs

Pap smears, or Pap tests, are important tests to determine whether there are any signs of cervical cancer. By receiving a routine Pap smear, you can ensure that proper action is taken on time to address cancer and other health concerns.

Pap smears: Frequently asked questions

While many women have heard about the importance of a Pap smear, all too many are unfamiliar with what the test entails. If you are uncertain about a medical test or procedure, you might avoid having it performed. Learn more about Pap smears to increase your knowledge and confidence in the test.

The following are five of the most frequently asked questions about Pap smears.

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear is a test performed by a medical professional in which they remove a sample of the cervical tissue. The tissue is tested for cancerous cells or any signs that cancerous cells may develop in the future.

According to the American Cancer Society, Pap smears have decreased deaths from cervical cancer by 74 percent in the past fifty years. It is incredibly useful for identifying and treating cases of cervical cancer promptly before the cancer spreads.

How is a Pap smear performed?

A doctor inserts a medical instrument known as a speculum into the vagina, which allows the doctor to see the cervix. At this point, the doctor can take a small sample of cells from the cervix.

While many women fear the procedure is too invasive, it is a fairly pain-free experience with no lasting effects. You may feel uncomfortable, but your doctor does this all the time. Tell them about your thoughts to help calm your nerves.

How long does it take to get the results?

Getting your results can take anywhere from three days to more than two weeks. The length of time is largely dependent on the laboratory that is doing the testing. Be sure to talk to your doctor about when you will see your results. This way you can reduce anxiety and also remind the doctor if the results have not arrived within the first two weeks.

Who should get a Pap smear?

Every woman over the age of eighteen should talk to their doctor about receiving a Pap smear. The test will ensure they are fully healthy, especially women who are sexually active.

How often do I need a Pap smear?

Ideally, it is best to visit your doctor for a Pap smear once every year. That said, your doctor may suggest more frequent testing if you have certain risk factors and previous medical concerns. In some cases, a Pap smear may not be required as frequently. All in all, your doctor will recommend the best testing schedule.

Do you need a Pap smear?

Now that you know the basics of Pap smears, think about the last time you visited a doctor for this test. If you think you are due for another Pap test, call our office for more information.

Recent Posts

Going to urgent care for pain is a great way to get the treatment you need in a timely manner.However, many are unsure over whether or not they should visit urgent care, the emergency room or simply treat their injury at home through first aid.There are certain injuries that require urgent care for pain. It…

Many people are now choosing to go to an urgent care center instead of the emergency room when dealing with a medical emergency. Many are also choosing to see the medical professionals who work at an urgent care center instead of making an appointment with their primary care doctor, as this type of facility offers…

Thinking about getting a flu shot this year but not quite sure if you really need one? Yes, you do. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccinations have been shown to have many benefits, including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children.…

Urgent care facilities often treat patients with common viral and bacterial infections. Because of our wealth of experience with illnesses caused by infection, our urgent care in Fairfax gives fast, accurate diagnosis and treatment.Viral and bacterial infections have been around for as long as life has existed. They can take the form of irritations, like…

Recent Posts

Going to urgent care for pain is a great way to get the treatment you need in a timely manner.However, many are unsure over whether or not they should visit urgent care, the emergency room or simply treat their injury at home through first aid.There are certain injuries that require urgent care for pain. It…

Many people are now choosing to go to an urgent care center instead of the emergency room when dealing with a medical emergency. Many are also choosing to see the medical professionals who work at an urgent care center instead of making an appointment with their primary care doctor, as this type of facility offers…

MMC - Virtual Visits

As the country is embracing the extreme measures to deal with the CORONA virus, which has become a public health imperative. All of us are learning that the only way to flatten the curve is social distancing and containment.

Until the situation improves, Millennium Medical Care will be doing virtual visits for all our patients starting this week. This decision is taken for protecting the safety of all our patients and staff.

Virtual visits are totally HIPPA compliant, and can be done at the comfort of your home. **They are covered by your insurance just like the way your regular visits are.** Doctors can also prescribe medicines during these visits. These virtual visits include seeing the provider so all your questions and concerns can be taken care of. We have signed up with two great platforms Doxy.me and SimpleVisit to get the virtual experience to be seamless and without hassles of login etc;. You will be getting a text with the virtual room link a few minutes before the appointment and you need to click on that link to be connected securely to the provider. It’s imperative to fill out the paperwork through our Phreesia sign-in process and pay your copay and balances or sign up for payment plans at least 10 minutes before the visit. Failing to do so may result in your appt cancellation and No Show fees may apply. You will be sent a virtual link a few mins before the appointment, just click and wait for the provider in your virtual waiting room.

Our team at Millennium Medical Care feel that this is an important time to continue with your wellness journey. We will be focusing on the topics of building your immunity, sleep, mindfulness, meditation and stress management in the next few weeks along with taking care of any other issues that you may have.

Please continue to call our call center or book online on our website https://millenniummedicalcare.com/ and these appointments will be converted to eVisits or Virtual Visits.